IPM Welcomes Norway's Telemark Research Institute for International Workshop
On Friday 4th April, the Institute of Place Management was delighted to host a delegation of 25 researchers from the Telemark Research Institute, Norway for a day of international knowledge exchange at Manchester Metropolitan University. The visit was jointly organised by Dr Nikos Ntounis SFIPM and Dr Regine Sønderland Saga of Telemark, with the aim of exploring deeper collaboration and setting the tone for a dynamic day of engagement between researchers from both institutions.
Throughout the day, researchers from IPM, the Faculty of Business and Law, and Manchester Met colleagues took part in themed discussions and presentations focused on shared research interests - including place, health, regional development, cultural policy, co-creation, and the just transition. These conversations reflected a common understanding that the most pressing global challenges - economic uncertainty, social inequality, and the climate crisis - require place-based, interdisciplinary approaches that can generate positive impact in policy and practice.
The concept of a just transition, in particular, featured prominently in the discussions. Defined as the shift towards a low-carbon, sustainable economy in a way that is fair, inclusive, and supports vulnerable communities, the just transition is increasingly central to place-based policy. Place managers across the work contribute directly to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by helping towns adapt to shifting employment landscapes; to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by ensuring inclusive planning; to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through revitalisation and community engagement; and to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by facilitating locally appropriate and socially just environmental change. By supporting inclusive regeneration, guiding investment, and building community resilience, place leaders are key agents in ensuring that the transition to a greener future is socially just and locally grounded.
The workshop included group sessions, breakout discussions, and informal networking, all aimed at identifying opportunities for webinars, joint research projects, co-authored publications, and international funding bids. With a strong track record in regional planning, cultural evaluation, and public policy, Telemark’s expertise aligns closely with IPM’s mission to support place leaders through research, executive education, and impactful collaboration.
Speaking after the visit, Ailin Aastvedt, Director and Senior Researcher at Telemark, commented:
“We were excited to visit the Institute of Place Management in Manchester to strengthen academic connections and explore future collaborative opportunities. We looked forward to engaging in discussions with researchers who share our interests, and to fostering new partnerships that could lead to joint research projects. This visit represented a great opportunity to exchange knowledge and build lasting collaborations.”
Reflecting on the event, Dr Nikos Ntounis, Senior Lecturer and Senior Fellow of IPM, said:
“It was a real privilege to welcome our colleagues from Telemark and showcase the work we’re doing at IPM including our current participation on Place-Based Circular Society Innovations and the legacy of the High Streets Task Force. These kinds of international exchanges are essential, not just for developing research partnerships, but for building a global community of place leaders who can learn from each other, share academic and practical knowledge, and collectively shape the future of our towns, cities, and regions.”
As the international professional body for place management, IPM continues to expand its global network of partners dedicated to tackling complex, place-based challenges through collaborative research and practice. The workshop with Telemarksforsking was a significant step in that journey building connections, sharing insights, and laying the groundwork for long-term cooperation that will shape the future of places across Europe and beyond.
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Telemark Research Institute (TRI) is a non-profit independent research organisation approved by The Research Council of Norway.
About the author
Formed in 2006, the Institute of Place Management is the international professional body that supports people committed to developing, managing and making places better.